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SPACES
Avant-garde wilderness
Where: Earth Lodge, Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve What: True to its name and architectural origins, Earth Lodge is virtually folded into the earth and hidden from view. Architect Mohammed Hans drew inspiration from the earth shelters of the Middle Ages where sites were excavated into the slope of the land, and the soil and plants were packed back onto the roofs of the buildings. It’s like a designer cave whereby the foundations, mud-darkened walls and grassed-over roof also house a modern and luxurious dwelling. The interiors cleverly fuse elements of wood, soil and natural fibres with luxurious metallic finishes. Sisal rugs with gold and silver trims are flung over simple, ivory coloured floors, while Nguni hides shimmer with flashes of copper and platinum. Chandeliers, shaped like tree branches, are cast in metal and share the space with functional art pieces by Geoffrey Armstrong.
Who: Architect: Mohammed Hans; Interior Design: Stephen Rich and Jacqui Loon
Photos: Courtesy of Sabi Sabi
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